Samsung Develops World’s First Single Chip for ATSC Mobile Digital TV

Samsung Develops World’s First Single Chip for ATSC Mobile Digital TV

Friday, October 16th, 2009

Low cost, power efficient, single chip will be used to launch mobile broadcasting in North America

SEOUL, South Korea — Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (Seoul: 005930), a global leader in consumer electronics, telecommunications and information technology, today announced that it has successfully developed the world’s first single chip compatible with the newly approved North American mobile digital TV broadcasting standard.

Samsung’s latest chip innovation combines the radio frequency (RF) and digital chip components into one single 65 nanometer (nm)-scale chip. Compared to traditional multiple-chip sets, the single chip provides makers of various mobile devices including mobile phones, car-mounted televisions and portable media players an optimal solution that is more compact, uses less power, and is more affordable.

The Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) has been working towards standardizing mobile digital TV broadcasting utilizing the existing digital TV broadcasting spectrum and facilities since May 2007. After a membership vote that concluded yesterday, ATSC Mobile DTV was officially adopted as an ATSC standard.

“Prior to Samsung’s technical demonstration at the 2006 NAB Show, industry experts believed that the compatibility of mobile TV broadcasting technology with the existing ATSC broadcasting system was not possible. In early 2005, Samsung Electronics decided to apply significant resources to ATSC standardization,” said Mr. Byung Duck Cho, executive vice president of the Digital Media and Communications R&D Center of Samsung Electronics. “Samsung succeeded in ATSC Mobile DTV standardization through its dedication and support in cooperation with the ATSC, broadcasters, and other electronics manufacturers. Through this collaborative accomplishment, Samsung Electronics aims to advance its leadership in the North American mobile market with mobile TV.”

Over 70 broadcast stations have announced their support of this initiative and have agreed to broadcast on a trial basis across North America by the end of 2009. The goal is to prepare for formal broadcasting tests to North American consumers beginning in early 2010.

ATSC Mobile DTV makes live mobile broadcast TV possible by installing minimal additional equipment at existing TV transmitters while utilizing the same frequencies as current terrestrial digital TV broadcasting. ATSC Mobile DTV does not influence current DTV receivers even when operating in the same channels making it in-band compatible. It is widely considered as the best solution for mobile broadcast digital television in North America. Through mobile broadcasting, consumers will be able to access free content such as local news, emergency alerts, weather reports and entertainment as well as premium paid services.